Thermal Engineer

Blue Origin; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 130,706 - 182,987; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match

Stock options for employees

Paid time off up to four weeks per year

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Thermal Engineer in Merritt Island, Florida. In this role, you will develop and manage thermal systems for advanced space vehicles, ensuring their survival and performance under extreme conditions. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and over 5 years of experience in thermal analysis. The position supports a culture of safety and collaboration and includes benefits such as relocation assistance.

We offer competitive pay ranging from $130,706 to $182,987 based on experience and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in thermal analysis and design for aerospace applications.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Thermal Desktop software.
• Experience with thermal insulation for in-space and/or reentry systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed thermal analysis of vehicle systems for all mission phases.
• Develop and build complex thermal models using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop vehicle solutions.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermal management systems

Collaboration

Heat transfer

Thermal Desktop

Python

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master of Science or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Sinda/Fluint

Ansys

Star-CCM+

Job description

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission. As a Thermal Engineer, you will develop thermal management systems for advanced space vehicles; you will analyze, design, and test thermal protection and control systems for extreme environments of space and atmospheric reentry. Your expertise will ensure the survival and performance of spacecraft and components.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 25% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed thermal analysis of vehicle systems and components for all mission phases, including ascent, on-orbit operations, and reentry.
• Develop and build complex thermal models using Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint, and other industry-standard software.
• Design, select, and qualify thermal insulation and other passive and active thermal control hardware for in-space and reentry applications.
• Plan, execute, and analyze thermal tests, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal balance, and component-level testing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including structures, avionics, and aerodynamics, to develop integrated vehicle solutions.
• Develop and document thermal requirements, analysis reports, and test procedures.
• Support vehicle-level integration and testing campaigns.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal analysis and design for aerospace or high-performance applications.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Thermal Desktop.
• Direct experience with the design, analysis, and application of thermal insulation for in-space and/or reentry systems.
• Strong understanding of all three modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and their application in a space environment.
• Familiarity with thermal testing and instrumentation.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on heat transfer.
• Experience with other thermal and CFD software packages (e.g., Ansys, Star-CCM+, Sinda/Fluint).
• Hands‑on experience with thermal hardware and test execution.
• Experience with thermal analysis of hypersonic and/or reentry vehicles.
• Knowledge of material properties and their behavior in extreme thermal environments.
• Experience scripting in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and process automation.

Base Pay Range

CA applicants: $130,706.00 - $182,987.70; WA applicants: $130,706.00 - $182,987.70

Other Site Ranges May Differ

Pay ranges may vary at other sites.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with or exceeding 10,001 lbs. and/or transport placardable amounts of hazardous materials may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including driver qualification files, medical certification, road test, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements, and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre‑employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Employees may be eligible for additional benefits and bonuses depending on role type and level, but these are not guaranteed and subject to change. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated workforce. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on Know Your Rights, please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans, or requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application and interview process, may contact [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.